The C-131 Samaritan was a medium-sized personnel transport that entered US Air Force service in the early 1950s. Manufactured by Convair, it was a military variation of the civilian Convair Model 340 designed to fill transportation needs.
The C-131 Samaritan entered the US Air Force fleet in the early 1950s to fill a need for a new medium-sized personnel transport. Aircraft manufacturer Convair contracted with the US Air Force to produce the C-131, a variation of the Convair Model 340. Initially, the US Air Force received twenty-six C-131A military transports on 1 April 1954. The Samaritan was originally intended as a flying hospital and could hold 20 stretchers. The “D” version was fitted with 44 seats for passengers.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Hill Air Force Base had C-131s flying in and out, performing various duties. Engine repair shops at Hill also routinely maintained the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine used in the Samaritan and other cargo planes.
Consolidated-Vultee Aircraft manufactured this airframe in San Diego, California, and delivered it to the US Air Force in 1955. It served with the 2750th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio; the Air National Guard Headquarters at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C.; and finally the 124th Tactical Reconnaissance Group at Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho. After its service, the airframe retired to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, for storage. In 1989, shortly after it arrived at Davis-Monthan, the US Air Force assigned it to the Hill Aerospace Museum. Interestingly, the Museum’s VC-131D is in the VIP configuration, meaning it has an executive interior that enabled high ranking officials to continue their duties while in flight.
Serial Number: 55-300
Manufacturer: Convair
Primary Function: Military Transport
Crew: Four
Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-103W radial piston engines; 2,500 hp
Wingspan: 105 ft 4 in
Length: 79 ft 2 in
Height: 28 ft 1 in
Weight: 52,414 lbs.
Speed: Maximum: 314 mph; Cruising Speed: 227 mph
Range: 2,200 miles
Service Ceiling: 32,000 ft
Armament: None
Payload: Seats for 44 passengers or 20 stretchers
Years of Service: 1950 – 1990
The C-131 Samaritan was a medium-sized personnel transport that entered US Air Force service in the early 1950s. Manufactured by Convair, it was a military variation of the civilian Convair Model 340 designed to fill transportation needs.
The US Air Force needed a new medium-sized personnel transport in the early 1950s. Convair contracted to produce the C-131 to meet this requirement, with the first twenty-six C-131A military transports delivered on April 1, 1954.
The “VC” designation indicates VIP configuration. The museum’s VC-131D features an executive interior that enabled high-ranking officials to continue their duties while in flight, rather than the standard passenger or medical evacuation configurations.
The VC-131D could carry 44 passengers in its standard configuration. Earlier versions were originally designed as flying hospitals capable of holding 20 stretchers. The “D” version was specifically fitted with passenger seats rather than medical equipment.
A VIP configuration features an executive interior designed for high-ranking officials. Unlike standard military transports with basic seating, VIP-configured aircraft include upgraded furnishings and amenities that allow officials to work effectively during flight, similar to modern executive aircraft.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Hill Air Force Base had C-131s flying in and out performing various duties. Engine repair shops at Hill routinely maintained the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engines used in the Samaritan and other cargo planes.
The VC-131 had a maximum speed of 314 mph and a cruising speed of 227 mph. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-103W radial piston engines producing 2,500 horsepower, it had a service ceiling of 32,000 feet and a range of 2,200 miles.
This VC-131 served with the 2750th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; Air National Guard Headquarters at Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, D.C.; and the 124th Tactical Reconnaissance Group at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho.